The Blades went toe-to-toe with their illustrious namesakes and for spells were the better side, before Scott McTominay put the visitors ahead against the run of play. Oli McBurnie then equalised from the spot, after McTominay handled, before a screamer from defender Diego Dalot sealed all threee points for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on an evening of frustration and optimism ...
5. Luke Thomas 5
Was heavily involved going both ways early on, facing a tough task against the lively Antony and also offering his fair share of offensive support despite ostensibly operating more as a traditional left-back than a wing-back. His task against Antony wasn’t made any easier by picking up a yellow card for fouling the Brazilian not long before half-time, and he was lucky that a cheap loss of possession didn’t cost United dearly as Rashford poked inches wide of the far post. Then ballooned a late cross miles over everyone in the middle, which summed up his evening
6. Ollie Norwood 7
Handed the captain’s armband in the absences of Egan and Basham, against the club where he started his career, both factors seemed to serve up extra inspiration as he started brightly, snapping into tackles and spraying the ball nicely when the opportunity arose. Loses some marks for some of his set-pieces lacking some of their usual impetus but still a very impressive display in midfield
7. Vini Souza 6
Handed an extra responsibility, to protect a defence shorn of one of its number against a formidable opposition forward line, and did it well, often in the right place at the right time to nick the ball away. Wasn’t shy to use brute force, either, leaving former Blade Maguire on the turf after one particularly heavy tackle on the sideline
8. Gus Hamer 6.5
Showed an early statement of intent as he let fly from long range and saw his effort blocked by Maguire, as United started brightly. Had an impact leading the press and closing down the visitors’ defence, to good effect, and was lively going the other way as well. Made way for Traore as United chased a way back into the game